“Since this is the first of it’s kind, it wasn’t an easy task, and is still a work in progress, but I truly feel that the event will be something special,” said Jacob Alexander, marketing director for the Red Cedar Log and senior advertising student.

Alexander said that their publication is not only a time capsule for an MSU student’s experience, but also a creative outlet and an experience opportunity for students in the fields of design, photography and journalism.

“I started at Red Cedar Log my freshman year, which is really neat for me, because I'll have a yearbook from each year of my college experience, that I helped produce,” RCL Editor-In-Chief Natalie Kozma said. “It's an unique way to wrap up my time here. I'm looking to capture an entire year of events from all different angles, so in a sense I'm completing a very thorough MSU bucket list, simply by doing my job.”

The RCL worked closely with ASMSU this year, in particular, Vice President of Finance and Operations Calvin Manitowabi Jr.; to help finance and plan Meet the Media. Manitowabi, a senior finance major, said Alexander was instrumental in the beginning stages of planning the event

Meet the Media is the RCL’s latest effort to promote their yearbook among MSU students. Kozma said students often don’t realize MSU has a yearbook, much less a free one.

“I think it's easy to dismiss a yearbook's value, but I'm working hard to change that -- this year and this event is the first step,” Kozma said. “Most people associate yearbooks with high school experiences, but what Spartans don't realize, is how historic the Red Cedar Log actually is, and how many generations of students have worked to document life at MSU.”

Kozma, a senior advertising student, said Meet the Media is not only a distribution effort, but an opportunity for yearbook staff to connect with other students and generate brand awareness.

“For something that's been around for so long, it's a shame Spartans graduate without knowing what Red Cedar Log is - especially because it is created for them!” Kozma said. “My goal this year, is (for it) to be known on campus, and hopefully that means we find more unique story ideas from different student groups who reach out to us for coverage.” 

MSU’s yearbook first began publication in 1887. Kozma said that before being known as the Red Cedar Log, from 1910-1975 the yearbook was, quite ironically, called the “Wolverine.”.

“Working at RCL you spend the year with your ears and eyes open as wide as possible - we don't want to miss anything noteworthy that could go into the book,” Kozma said.

RCL’s yearbook theme for 2016 is “Sharp Angles”. Kozma said the theme was chosen because of their focus on sharing unique stories from students and looking for bold, smart and witty perspectives.

“With the food from Conrad’s, games, raffle prizes, music and books to distribute, we are hoping students will come and enjoy their time in between class with us,” Alexander said. “Our book is simply amazing this year, and we think that students and faculty will feel the same, also.”